Paul Walker Mourned by Friend and Co-Star Tyrese Gibson

Santa Clarita, California (CNN) — Stunned by his untimely death in a car wreck, fans, friends and family remembered actor Paul Walker — what he meant to them and what he did for them.

His father remembered him as a loving son who wanted to take a hiatus from acting. A fellow actor recalled how he had just celebrated Walker’s 40th birthday. And a U.S. military veteran will forever be grateful for a touching act of generosity.

Walker died in a fiery crash in Southern California on Saturday. He was in the passenger seat of a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, driven by a racing team partner, that slammed into a light pole and burst into flames in the community of Valencia, Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north of Hollywood.

The driver, identified by CNN affiliate KCAL-TV as Roger Rodus, also died.

Day and night Sunday, legions of fans gathered near the charred roadside where Walker died.

Tyrese Gibson, Walker’s co-star in several “Fast & Furious” movies, broke down as he laid a yellow flower at the site.

“My heart is hurting so bad no one can make me believe this is real,” the singer and actor posted on Instagram. He also shared the duo’s last text exchange.